Far from the media spotlight, the Sahel region (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger,
Senegal, Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Gambia) is grappling with a severe
humanitarian emergency as alarming food insecurity and malnutrition conditions have
emerged in the wake of drought and poor harvests. 18.7 million people are affected,
among them some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the world.
According to UNICEF, over 1 million children are at risk of severe acute malnutrition
across the Sahel.

Mali insecurity exacerbates regional crisis

The crisis, affecting primarily nine countries, has been exacerbated by the situation in
Mali, where conflict has displaced nearly 372,000 people since January.
As of 15 June 2012, it is estimated that more than 167,000 people have been
displaced within Mali. UNHCR reports a total of nearly 175,000 refugees in Mauritania
(68,363), Burkina Faso (65,009), and Niger (41,650), often in areas already severely affected by the food and nutrition crisis. According to the Algerian Government, some 30,000 people have also sought refuge in Algeria.